Cardinals rule: Woodland Christian pounds Valley Christian

WOODLAND — Facing a team that averaged more than 35 points per game going in, smoke became fire for Valley Christian Academy on Friday night.

Woodland Christian routed the Lions 48-0 thanks to 254 yards rushing and a stingy defense. The Lions did nothing to help themselves either, as two of their three interceptions were returned for touchdowns. A running clock was used in the fourth quarter.

Valley Christian was without head coach Todd Conroy, who was out of town. John Mowry filled in as interim head coach.

“Ball security and not having so many penalties in the first half (are the first things we’re going to work on in practice),” Mowry said.

The Valley Christian nightmare began within the first five plays of the game, when Woodland Christian drew first blood on a seven-yard score by Paul Vithayaveroj. The Cardinals piled it on with a 22-point first quarter, thanks to another rushing touchdown and the first interception return by Kameron Arnold, a 40-yarder.

After taking a 42-0 lead into the third quarter, Woodland Christian primarily used backups in the second half.

The Cardinals (5-1 overall, 3-1 Sacramento Metro Athletic League) shared the glory among four rushers that gained at least 30 yards, led by Chance Stocking with 120 yards. The Lions (2-4, 2-2) were quite the opposite, gaining just 59 yards on the ground.

Asked how the team would fix its issues moving forward, Mowry said, “Two words: Hard work.”

Valley Christian linebacker Caleb Van Patten put on a show with 11 solo tackles and 10 assists. Sophomore Willie Johnson, who has seen few carries this season, stepped in during the fourth quarter and rushed for 19 yards in five carries.